Drivers are being reassured by Hertfordshire Highways that roads are being prepared for Beast from the East 2. 

Preparations come as weather forecasters warn that similar weather which occurred in 2018 and resulted in the Beast from the East could hit the UK again. 

The Met Office shared that a major sudden jump in temperatures through a Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) could trigger a large area of blocking high pressure later this month or early March. 

SSW took place back in 2018 and saw the Beast from the East hit the UK and blanket much of the UK in snow.

Watford Observer:

Watford Prepares for Beast from the East 2

Hertfordshire Highways has shared that it has been preparing for the potential Beast from the East, as a spokesperson said: "We work very closely with weather forecasters to ensure that conditions are constantly monitored so we can take appropriate action.

"To get ahead of this problem, Hertfordshire does a lot of work, usually during the summer, sealing road surfaces and pavements with a range of treatments to keep the water and frost out and to prolong the condition. This preventative approach is much more cost-effective than repairing potholes after the event and is recognised as good practice in the industry."

Highways also wanted to make drivers aware that although they do a lot to prepare for the cold weather and its impact on roads, drivers should still be cautious. 

Watford Observer:

The spokesperson continued: "However, it is not possible to keep all roads in perfect condition all the time and potholes will therefore form on our roads, especially during wet and/or cold weather.

"We encourage road users to report potholes, or any other defect, to us online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/highwayfaults. This ensures that they are in our system and, even if we can’t repair them immediately."

However, the Met Office has stressed that an SSW will not necessarily mean a repeat of the Beast from the East.

They shared that for the next week or so, it is likely to lead to "changeable conditions" with temperatures milder than average.

The Met Office said: "At the start of March, high pressure will likely dominate across the UK, with any more unsettled weather.

"Temperatures will likely be around or slightly above average for the whole period, with perhaps colder conditions relative to average more likely later in the period. There remains a small probability of much colder weather developing as we move further into March."